Aberdour Castle and Gardens

Get up close to what is possibly Scotland's oldest standing castle. Aberdour Castle was built in the 1100s and went on to serve generations of three noble families – including a Regent of Scotland!

About Aberdour Castle and Gardens

	Aberdour Castle and Gardens , Aberdour KY3 0SL
	01383860519
	Aberdour Castle and Gardens Website
	Follow histenvscot on Twitter
	Facebook information can be found here

Listed Under Attractions - History and Culture / Attractions - Days Out

Aberdour Castle has seen 500 years of noble living, serving as a residence to the powerful Mortimer, Randolph and Douglas families. Today, its ruined structures and roofed buildings show clearly how a medieval castle could be extended and adapted over time.

First built to give its owner a secure place of strength and comfortable lodgings, Aberdour was later enlarged in several stages. It became an extensive, outward-looking residence surrounded by beautiful gardens and pleasure grounds.

The castle tells us a great deal about changes in architectural and domestic fashion as well as about the rising fortunes of its owners.

The Douglas family left their mark, raising the height of the hall-house to make Aberdour into a more typical tower house castle and adding further ranges of buildings. Explore the impressive complex and its delightful walled garden and terraces.

What to see and do:
• Enter part of the hall-house built in the 1100s – perhaps one of the oldest standing stone castles in Scotland, though later extensively adapted

• Play hide and seek among the large and imposing complex of buildings dating from the 1100s to the 1600s

• Gaze up at the painted ceiling in the east range – a precious remnant from the early 1600s

• Imagine life as a medieval noble as you roam around the fragrant walled garden and along the terraces above the Forth

• Stop by St Fillan’s Church (next to Aberdour Castle), a fine example of a Norman church of the 1100s

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Aberdour Castle and Gardens are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Fife? Just hit 'Like' on our What's On Fife Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our @WhatsOnFife Twitter or Instagram accounts and you're all set!

Upcoming Events at Aberdour Castle and Gardens

Family and Kids

Easter Eggsplorer Trails

18th April 2025 - 21st April 2025

Aberdour Castle and Gardens, Aberdour

Historic Environment Scotland invites you to find the clues and complete the challenge at the Easter Eggsplorer Trail at Aberdour Castle and Gardens!

History and Culture

Hill Of Tarvit Mansion and Gardens

Hill Of Tarvit Mansion and Gardens , Near Cupar KY15 5PB

Hill of Tarvit is a wonderful example of Edwardian stately living and also has the only exclusively hickory golf course in the UK.

History and Culture

Blackfriars Chapel

Blackfriars Chapel South Street, St Andrews KY16 9EH

Visit a tranquil ruin amid the bustle of a busy street. Blackfriars Chapel is a rare remnant of the many Dominican friaries built across Scotland during the Middle Ages.

History and Culture

Falkland Palace and Garden

Falkland Palace and Garden East Port, Falkland KY15 7BU

A fine Renaissance palace with an extensive formal garden and one of Britain’s oldest tennis courts

History and Culture

Methil Heritage Centre

272 High Street, Methil KY8 3EQ

A popular community museum with a permanent display about the Levenmouth area.

History and Culture

Culross Abbey

Culross Abbey Kirk Street, Culross KY12 8JD

Explore the ruins of a Cistercian monastery of the 1200s, once home to a community of monks and lay brothers.

History and Culture

Culross Palace

Culross Palace , Culross KY12 8JH

Get a sense of what it would have been like to live in Culross Palace in its prime, with original painted woodwork and beautifully restored 17th- and 18th-century interiors.

History and Culture

Museum Of Communication

131 High Street , Burntisland KY3 9AA

One of Scotland's only museums of communication, with a regular programme of exhibitions and events.

History and Culture

The Scottish Fisheries Museum

St Ayles Harbourhead, Anstruther KY10 3AB

An independent charity-run museum covering the history of the Scottish fishing industryand how it became such an important part of the lives of so many Scots.

History and Culture

St Andrews Museum

Kinburn Park Doubledykes Road, St Andrews KY16 9DP

St Andrews Museum is a stunning Victorian mansion nestled in the grounds of Kilnburn Park.

History and Culture

St Andrews Castle

St Andrews Castle The Scores , St Andrews KY16 9AR

St Andrews Castle was a bishop’s palace, a fortress and a state prison during its 450-year history.

History and Culture

St Andrews Cathedral

St Andrews Cathedral The Pends, St Andrews KY16 9QL

Explore the remains of Scotland’s largest and most magnificent medieval church. Even in its ruinous state, the cathedral remains a prominent landmark highly visible from the sea.

History and Culture